Today is bittersweet for two reasons. It's Father's Day and I'd really love to be able to spend the day with my dad. I think he'd be quite proud and interested in where I've been since he left this earth and where I am now, where I'll be in the future. Plus, I'm sure there was more he had to teach me, certainly more questions I would like to ask of him about his music, his art, his life. I'd like to watch him again in action sitting beside someone at the mall that he didn't know who was wearing a Sari or a turban or a yarmulke. He would ask questions, greet them in their native tongue and may ultimately get into a "discussion" on politics or religion. There was always a "discussion" at our house when the unknowing Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormon's would come to the door. My dad loved to debate religion, much to my mother's chagrin.
It's bittersweet secondly because today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. I love that it's officially summer. I love that it's the longest day of the year. But, summer seems to slip by so quickly and before I know it, all of a sudden, I'm smack dab in the middle of October staring down the face of winter. I love that the daylight will be sticking around as long as possible today before giving way to darkness. However, the days to follow the Summer Solstice mean each one is just one second less than the day before. It's almost like death, till we finally reach the true death when fall arrives and everything goes to sleep for the winter.
Every year I say I'm going to live each summer day to it's fullest. I'm going to spend every waking moment in the sunshine as a way to store it all up inside me so when the winter comes I have some left over to chase away the winter blues.
"Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life, Trying to make ends meet, Trying to find some money then you die, I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places, where all the veins meet yeah."
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Time Travels
Tonight in my class we talked about Coney Island. Not the Coney Island of today that is slowing being chipped away at by land developers, but this Coney Island:
This was the Coney Island that the working class man visited as an escape from the daily grind of his job and the city. This is the Coney Island I want to visit. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's the innocence of the rides which were tame in comparison to today. Strangely, there was a "Human Zoo" where visitors would climb to the bottom of a ladder and would find themselves in a cage and were on display for other visitors who would feed them peanuts.
Certainly I would not care to put on one of the standard swimsuits for ladies which were made of wool and often weighed 15-20 lbs wet and would require ladies to use ropes to extract them from the ocean after a swim.
I remember my father talking about visiting Coney Island as a kid, but sadly I don't remember him telling me anything more about it.
Perhaps it's nostalgia or the desire to visit a simpler time. I'd love to jump into a time machine and visit Coney Island mid nineteenth century. Of course, I'm sure it would be just as great to return home.
Check out the new addition to my frequently read blogs....Ephemeral New York. Just a plethora of really cool information about a city I adore!
This was the Coney Island that the working class man visited as an escape from the daily grind of his job and the city. This is the Coney Island I want to visit. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's the innocence of the rides which were tame in comparison to today. Strangely, there was a "Human Zoo" where visitors would climb to the bottom of a ladder and would find themselves in a cage and were on display for other visitors who would feed them peanuts.
Certainly I would not care to put on one of the standard swimsuits for ladies which were made of wool and often weighed 15-20 lbs wet and would require ladies to use ropes to extract them from the ocean after a swim.
I remember my father talking about visiting Coney Island as a kid, but sadly I don't remember him telling me anything more about it.
Perhaps it's nostalgia or the desire to visit a simpler time. I'd love to jump into a time machine and visit Coney Island mid nineteenth century. Of course, I'm sure it would be just as great to return home.
Check out the new addition to my frequently read blogs....Ephemeral New York. Just a plethora of really cool information about a city I adore!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Dress Rehearsal
I think I think alot about death and dying. Perhaps too much. It is a subject that fascinates me and perhaps it has something to do with living in the cold north and coming out of the long, cold nights that makes me think about dying more often around this time of the year. I find that a lot of people die in the winter. It's like they lose hope. I'm thankful that I do not live in even further northern countries that have ten plus hours or more of darkness a day during the winter.
My friend that I mentioned in my previous post has been away this week in Paris. A very bittersweet trip to Paris. I guess it's kind of a last hurrah and he knows that. For me, this week has been sort of a dress rehearsal for things to come. I have had no contact from him, no texting, no calls, no pictures posted on Facebook. In a few days though, I will hear from him and there will be frenzied texting, much chattering on the phone and hopefully lots of pictures. Sadly the day will come when it won't be a dress rehearsal and the phone and Facebook will remain silent. But for today, I will enjoy the sunshine and the fact that he is still with us.
This weekend has been a tease for us at least in south central PA. The sun has been out all weekend, the temps are in the upper 50's. It's a hopeful sign. I haven't looked but I'm sure some of the early spring flowers are beginning to poke through. I can tell the days are getting longer. The snow has almost completely melted. Days like these give me hope that the darkest days are behind us and good things are coming. I am hopeful.
My friend that I mentioned in my previous post has been away this week in Paris. A very bittersweet trip to Paris. I guess it's kind of a last hurrah and he knows that. For me, this week has been sort of a dress rehearsal for things to come. I have had no contact from him, no texting, no calls, no pictures posted on Facebook. In a few days though, I will hear from him and there will be frenzied texting, much chattering on the phone and hopefully lots of pictures. Sadly the day will come when it won't be a dress rehearsal and the phone and Facebook will remain silent. But for today, I will enjoy the sunshine and the fact that he is still with us.
This weekend has been a tease for us at least in south central PA. The sun has been out all weekend, the temps are in the upper 50's. It's a hopeful sign. I haven't looked but I'm sure some of the early spring flowers are beginning to poke through. I can tell the days are getting longer. The snow has almost completely melted. Days like these give me hope that the darkest days are behind us and good things are coming. I am hopeful.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Real Life
The northeast is getting pummeled again with snow. I was at work briefly this morning but they shut down and I was able to make it home to the comfy couch. I was lucky to have missed the storm we had last weekend that dumped about a foot of snow on the ground as I was in Key West celebrating "someone's" 40th birthday. We visited the usual sights on the island and had plenty of beverages to celebrate. The weather was warm and sunny and while my friends at home got pounded with the first round of snow, I was planted firmly on the beach with Jimmy Buffett singing in my ear. It was an absolute perfect day.
Getting home and back to the reality of snow and every day life, I learned that a close friend has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. At last check in November the cancer was gone. Two months later it has progress so far that it has infiltrated the bones. I pray I can be of some comfort and support to my friend. I cannot imagine life without this person. I pray that if my friend does have to leave this earth it can be painlessly and peacefully though I'd rather just keep my friend here with me, but that seems unlikely.
Getting home and back to the reality of snow and every day life, I learned that a close friend has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. At last check in November the cancer was gone. Two months later it has progress so far that it has infiltrated the bones. I pray I can be of some comfort and support to my friend. I cannot imagine life without this person. I pray that if my friend does have to leave this earth it can be painlessly and peacefully though I'd rather just keep my friend here with me, but that seems unlikely.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Modern Day Monk
One of my very creative friends just put her wares up on the Internet. Please stop by, her work is wonderful!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Yes There Are Dumb Questions
I always find it amusing the kind of reaction I get from others when I tell people where I go on vacation. I don't think I've ever been anywhere truly exotic like Africa or Mumbai or Borneo. Since I've been back I've told many stories about our recent trip to the Caymans. Today was no different as I got some of the following comments:
"Are the people friendly?" Um, yes, they aren't spear-carrying tribal people that have never seen a "white man."
"Oh, the Caymans...where are they exactly?" Aren't you embarrassed to even ask that question?
"So, what are the Caymans known for?" Couldn't you quietly go off and Google that instead of asking that question?
"Do you have family there?" No, I do not go on vacation to visit family. That is not usually considered a vacation.
One question I didn't get after returning from this vacation that I have gotten on other vacations was "Why would go there?" Really? Why would you even ask that question? Isn't a better question why wouldn't you go (insert location here?)
Please take a look at the Flickr box in the upper corner of my page for some of the pics of the beautiful Caymans...and maybe you should keep your silly questions to yourself.
"Are the people friendly?" Um, yes, they aren't spear-carrying tribal people that have never seen a "white man."
"Oh, the Caymans...where are they exactly?" Aren't you embarrassed to even ask that question?
"So, what are the Caymans known for?" Couldn't you quietly go off and Google that instead of asking that question?
"Do you have family there?" No, I do not go on vacation to visit family. That is not usually considered a vacation.
One question I didn't get after returning from this vacation that I have gotten on other vacations was "Why would go there?" Really? Why would you even ask that question? Isn't a better question why wouldn't you go (insert location here?)
Please take a look at the Flickr box in the upper corner of my page for some of the pics of the beautiful Caymans...and maybe you should keep your silly questions to yourself.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Grand Cayman, B.W.I.
The last picture I posted was just something I grabbed off the Internet. I knew it was somewhere off the coast of Grand Cayman island but I had no idea I'd actually get to the place in the photo.
My family, Brian and I set off on this journey to Grand Cayman Island on a very cold and dark Christmas morning. In just 4 short hours we were there in the warm sunshine. I also knew I was going to meet a fellow blogger that I had been chatting with for some four years or so, MarkD60.
Mark and his lovely wife were most gracious in making sure we saw some really great things and were invited into their home and circle of friends.
It have gotten quite lazy about blogging since the discovery of Facebook but have promised that I would update this site and continue to meet some really great people around the world that I'd otherwise would have never met.
Thanks Mark for making sure we had a lovely time on the island!
This is most of our crew in the waters (from the previous post) which happens to be Sandbar near Sting Ray City. It was so much fun to swim with these creatures. Yes, it's a bit startling to have them bump into you, but they're just trying to grab some food. They are quite gentle and no, there were no Steve Irwin incidents.
My family, Brian and I set off on this journey to Grand Cayman Island on a very cold and dark Christmas morning. In just 4 short hours we were there in the warm sunshine. I also knew I was going to meet a fellow blogger that I had been chatting with for some four years or so, MarkD60.
Mark and his lovely wife were most gracious in making sure we saw some really great things and were invited into their home and circle of friends.
It have gotten quite lazy about blogging since the discovery of Facebook but have promised that I would update this site and continue to meet some really great people around the world that I'd otherwise would have never met.
Thanks Mark for making sure we had a lovely time on the island!
This is most of our crew in the waters (from the previous post) which happens to be Sandbar near Sting Ray City. It was so much fun to swim with these creatures. Yes, it's a bit startling to have them bump into you, but they're just trying to grab some food. They are quite gentle and no, there were no Steve Irwin incidents.
Monday, December 14, 2009
C'mon Take A Guess!
Very soon, I get to check another item off my list of things to do. I get to meet yet another blogger buddy. That leaves only one of my long-time blog friends that I have yet to meet....and you know who you are!
The person I am going to meet soon lives here. Any guesses?
The person I am going to meet soon lives here. Any guesses?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Pop Pop Pop Muzik
It's official! I'm going to Boston to talk about my paper "No Man's Land, The Question of Gender in Punk Music 1973-1977." It's going to look great on my resume, for whatever that's worth.
Check out their blog! Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture/American Culture Association
Check out their blog! Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture/American Culture Association
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Patiently Waiting
I was recently urged by my Gender Studies professor from this last semester to submit my paper for the class to the Popular/American Culture Association. So, I wrote up a short abstract to summarize my full paper and submitted it to the proper chair person at the association. So, now I must wait. June 15 is the deadline for the call for papers, so after that point I should hear one way or another if I'm supposed to attend the conference in November to present my paper. Ok, now I'm scared. What if the paper does get picked and I have to travel to Boston to present it in front of God knows how many people?? I'm not too worried about that right now. More importantly, vacation is coming up!!
In a couple of weeks I'll be leaving on my first cruise! We're sailing out of New York (which should be very cool!) to Bermuda. I've never been to Bermuda either, so this should be an all around new experience for me. I'm looking forward to it, but also concerned about possible sea sickness. Any time I mention to anyone that I'm going on a cruise they have some horrible story about how sick they got on a cruise or they know of someone that got deathly ill. I will go, armed with Dramamine.
In a couple of weeks I'll be leaving on my first cruise! We're sailing out of New York (which should be very cool!) to Bermuda. I've never been to Bermuda either, so this should be an all around new experience for me. I'm looking forward to it, but also concerned about possible sea sickness. Any time I mention to anyone that I'm going on a cruise they have some horrible story about how sick they got on a cruise or they know of someone that got deathly ill. I will go, armed with Dramamine.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The Art of Michael Pittari
Go ahead, give it a click. See some wonderful artwork from a former professor of mine. Monday, February 23, 2009
Saying Goodbye
Sadly, we lost our Jasmine today. She was a wonderful dog and will be greatly missed.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The Art of Jonathan Frazier
I would like to introduce you to the art of friend Jonathan Frazier. As well as being a talented artist he is also a musician. Click on the image if you'd like to see more.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas City, U.S.A.
We live about an hour outside what is known as Christmas City. Geographically, the city is known as Bethlehem, PA. NittanyBri and I visited there over the weekend.
Bethlehem is home to Moravian College and Central Moravian Church and the lovely Hotel Bethlehem and our new favorite Bethlehem Brew Works. The Brew Works definitely had some tasty and unusual beers. Our favorites would have to be the seasonal Rude Elf....10% alcohol, what's not to love? The Framboise (a personal favorite) and Steegarden Wit, slightly sweet and very tasty!
The Central Moravian Church puts on a tradition called a Putz, technically not a Moravian thing but more a European thing for the holidays. Families from the church go out and gather moss and put together various scenes of the beginning of the church as well as the nativity. This was something that I had heard about all my life but something I had never seen before.
Today however, was spent relaxing at The Spa at Hotel Hershey. Coffee scrubs, facials, massages. I think I might be moving in!
Bethlehem is home to Moravian College and Central Moravian Church and the lovely Hotel Bethlehem and our new favorite Bethlehem Brew Works. The Brew Works definitely had some tasty and unusual beers. Our favorites would have to be the seasonal Rude Elf....10% alcohol, what's not to love? The Framboise (a personal favorite) and Steegarden Wit, slightly sweet and very tasty!
The Central Moravian Church puts on a tradition called a Putz, technically not a Moravian thing but more a European thing for the holidays. Families from the church go out and gather moss and put together various scenes of the beginning of the church as well as the nativity. This was something that I had heard about all my life but something I had never seen before.
Today however, was spent relaxing at The Spa at Hotel Hershey. Coffee scrubs, facials, massages. I think I might be moving in!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Lazy Saturday
Ahhh, Saturday with basically nothing to do. The semester is over for the most part. But, I still have this nagging feeling that I should be reading something or working on a paper. Then I remember, hey you've read all 13 books for the 12 week semester, you completed your paper on New Deal Post Office Murals and the exhibit at the State Museum, turned it in AND got an A on it, you have no worries! It's true I don't have any worries. So, I'm doing some laundry and I swear, I'm going to the gym today!
Then tonight I get to hang out with the gal-pals who are part of the banned book club. Yes, I read banned books! A short book was picked for this month with all the parties, shopping and crazy work schedules so we read the classic George Orwell Animal Farm. Surprisingly I had never read it in school, as a matter of fact, I don't think I've read any of George Orwell's books.
NittanyBri has been working on the basement. I noticed the other day my feet didn't fit on the steps anymore because B had inserted wood on the front of the steps so they are no longer open. Things like socks and stuff won't fall through the steps anymore into the great abyss below. YAY! I also made up my mind I'm getting a dishwasher and a new microwave. I don't care that the kitchen isn't even close to be renovated but I don't think I can live another day without a dishwasher. And so I will have one. And I probably won't stop talking about it for the rest of my life. Just be prepared.
I have a new addiction, which is where I've been spending my time...Facebook. I used to think it was silly, now I'm on there all the time. I know some of you bloggers are out there too. If you aren't, come check it out!! It's fun!
Then tonight I get to hang out with the gal-pals who are part of the banned book club. Yes, I read banned books! A short book was picked for this month with all the parties, shopping and crazy work schedules so we read the classic George Orwell Animal Farm. Surprisingly I had never read it in school, as a matter of fact, I don't think I've read any of George Orwell's books.
NittanyBri has been working on the basement. I noticed the other day my feet didn't fit on the steps anymore because B had inserted wood on the front of the steps so they are no longer open. Things like socks and stuff won't fall through the steps anymore into the great abyss below. YAY! I also made up my mind I'm getting a dishwasher and a new microwave. I don't care that the kitchen isn't even close to be renovated but I don't think I can live another day without a dishwasher. And so I will have one. And I probably won't stop talking about it for the rest of my life. Just be prepared.
I have a new addiction, which is where I've been spending my time...Facebook. I used to think it was silly, now I'm on there all the time. I know some of you bloggers are out there too. If you aren't, come check it out!! It's fun!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
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